TikTok and YouTube Shorts by Autistic Individuals for Increasing Autism Awareness

Abstract

Introduction: Autistic individuals, parents, organizations, and healthcare systems worldwide are actively sharing content aimed at increasing awareness about autism. This study aims at analyzing the type of contents presented in TikTok and YouTube Shorts videos under the hashtag #actuallyautistic and their potential to increase autism awareness. Methods: A sample of 60 videos were downloaded and analyzed (n=30 from TikTok and n=30 from YouTube Shorts). Video contents were analyzed using both thematic analysis and the AFINN sentiment analysis tool. The understandability and actionability of the videos were assessed with The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Materials (PEMAT A/V). Results: The contents of these videos covered five main themes: Stigmatization; Sensory difficulties; Masking; Stimming; and Communication difficulties. No statistically significant differences were found on sentiment expressed on videos from both channels. TikTok videos received significantly more views, comments, and likes than videos on YouTube Shorts. The PEMAT A/V tool showed that there is a high level of understandability, but little reference to actionability. Discussion: Autistic people videos content spread valid and reliable information in hopes of normalizing difficulties and provide hope and comfort to others in similar situations. Conclusions: Social media videos posted by autistic individuals provide accurate portrayals about autism but lack information on actionability. These shared personal stories can help increase public literacy about autism, dispel autism stigmas and emphasize individuality.